At a Glance:
What Features Make the Best Steam Ovens?
You can use an oven in various ways such as baking cakes, roast meats, and even making pies. The purpose of an oven is to make cooking easier, especially if you have a large family or entertain guests regularly. Additionally, the type of oven you choose will have a significant impact on your cooking experience. Over the years, steam ovens have become the go-to choice for many homeowners who want more ways to cook food.
If you want to change the way you cook, you'll need the best steam oven for the job. In this post, we explain what a steam oven is, how you can benefit from it, and what features to consider when shopping for the appliance. Plus, we review the top steam ovens on the market from brands like Wolf, Miele, and Thermador.
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What is a Steam Oven?
A steam oven is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot steam instead of hot air. It operates by drawing water from a reservoir into a boiler, where it heats to 212°F to produce steam that fills the oven cavity. This method cooks food efficiently sometimes 20-30% faster than traditional ovens, thanks to the combination of heat and moisture. While it’s not a pressure cooker, the underlying principle is similar.
You can get two types of steam ovens: steam-only ovens and combination steam ovens. Steam-only models focus exclusively on cooking with steam, which is ideal for retaining nutrients and moisture in food but doesn’t brown dishes. Combination steam ovens, however, combine the benefits of steam and convection cooking. These models use steam to keep food tender and convection for browning and crisping for greater versatility.
Benefits of Steam Ovens
Steam ovens come with many benefits and that's why many homeowners are starting to buy these kitchen appliances. The best steam ovens will give you the following benefits.
✅ Healthier Cooking: The best home steam oven models create a moist cooking environment that helps retain the vitamins and minerals in food, so meals are more nutritious. Unlike traditional ovens, steam cooking doesn’t require additional oils or fats and allows for healthier dishes without sacrificing flavor. For example, steamed vegetables maintain their natural color, texture, and nutrients.
✅ Juicy Proteins: One standout advantage of steam cooking is its ability to retain moisture in proteins. Foods like chicken breasts and pork chops come out tender and juicy and prevent the dryness associated with conventional ovens.
✅ Faster and Safer Cooking: Steam ovens cook food more quickly because water conducts heat more effectively than air. Additionally, the use of moist heat reduces the risk of burning, to give you peace of mind during cooking.
✅ Better Reheating and Defrosting: Reheating leftovers in a steam oven keeps them moist and prevents the rubbery texture caused by microwaves. Steam ovens also defrost food faster and more evenly than leaving it at room temperature and minimize potential food safety risks.
✅ Versatile Multi-Cooking: Steam ovens excel at cooking different foods simultaneously without transferring flavors. This versatility makes them perfect for preparing complete meals efficiently while maintaining the integrity of each dish.
Drawbacks of Steam Ovens
Like most cooking appliances steam ovens also have some disadvantages. You must consider these drawbacks so you can make an informed decision on whether a steam oven is the right choice for you.
❌ Cleaning: Steam ovens require more frequent cleaning than traditional ovens because of condensation buildup during cooking. The moisture can accumulate on the interior walls and cause potential odors if not addressed. Regular maintenance, such as wiping down the oven after each use, helps prevent this issue. While the cleaning process is generally quick and straightforward, it may feel like an extra chore compared to convection ovens, which typically need less attention.
❌ Learning Curve: Using a steam oven effectively can take some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional ovens. While the basic principles are similar, achieving the desired results might require experimentation with cooking times, steam levels, and temperature settings. For some, this adjustment period can be frustrating, but with practice, the benefits outweigh the initial challenges.
❌ Flavor and Texture Limitations: Steam cooking excels at preserving moisture but cannot brown or caramelize food. This can result in dishes with less complex flavors, as browning adds depth and richness. Similarly, foods that rely on a crispy texture, such as roasted vegetables or baked goods, may not achieve the same results as they would in a convection oven.
What Features Make the Best Steam Ovens?
The best steam oven will have a variety of features and controls to make cooking easier. Before you go and buy the best combi steam oven or a bake oven, these are the features you need to look for.
Features Based on Steam Oven Type
The features of a steam oven may differ based on the type of appliance you choose. For example, full steam ovens operate solely with steam, maintaining 100% humidity and temperatures up to 100°C. These are ideal for those focusing exclusively on steaming and tend to be the most budget-friendly option.
Combination steam ovens, or convection steam ovens, combine traditional oven functions with steam. They allow for precise control over steam levels so that dishes are moist inside while achieving a crispy exterior. Lastly, added moisture ovens enhance conventional cooking by introducing humidity, which prevents food from drying out. While these do not support full steaming, they are excellent for adding a touch of moisture to various recipes.
Key Features to Look For
The best steam oven should give you versatile cooking settings tailored to diverse cooking needs. Look for models that provide adjustable steam levels and combination cooking options to fine-tune textures and flavors. Some advanced ovens include automatic menu programs that simplify cooking by adjusting humidity, time, and temperature for specific dishes.
Consider whether you need a plumbed-in appliance for convenience or are comfortable with manually filling a water reservoir. Self-cleaning functions, grill or broiler capabilities, and compatibility with other kitchen appliances are additional features to enhance usability and functionality.
6 Best Steam Ovens
Are you looking for the best steam oven for baking bread or do you need an appliance that fits seamlessly into your kitchen? To help you choose the right steam oven for your kitchen we've provided reviews on some of the best steam ovens on the market from brands like Monogram and Gaggenau.
Wolf® M Series 30" Stainless Steel Contemporary Single Electric Steam Wall Oven
The Wolf M Series steam oven elevates gourmet cooking with its climate sensor that adjusts time, temperature, and humidity for foolproof results. Its spacious interior accommodates multiple dishes or a 15-pound turkey, while the temperature probe ensures perfect doneness. It's the best built-in steam oven for kitchens that have limited floor space but for homeowners who need a large oven to cook multiple meals.
Miele 30" Clean Touch Steel Steam Oven
Miele makes the best combi steam oven models and this Clean Touch appliance is no different. The Combi-Steam technology ensures dishes are crisp outside and tender inside. DualSteam technology and a built-in roast probe provide precise control for consistently perfect results. Its WiFi connectivity and Miele@home integration make remote operation seamless and are ideal for tech-savvy chefs. The spacious interior and included accessories support a wide range of cooking styles, from steaming to roasting.
Gaggenau 400 Series 30" Stainless Steel Single Electric Combi-Steam Oven
The Gaggenau 400 Series is one of the best steam convection oven models on the market which is also ideal for making quick meals. You get convection and steam cooking, adjustable humidity levels, and sous-vide functionality for precision. Its fully automatic cleaning system and plumbed water connection streamline maintenance. A core temperature probe ensures perfect doneness and a TFT touch display simplifies operation. The sleek, handleless design adds modern elegance to any kitchen.
Thermador® Professional 30" Stainless Steel Double Steam Oven
Shop this Thermador® Steam Oven
If you're looking for the best steam bake oven then this Thermador appliance is exactly what you need. It has two oven capacities so you can bake in one and roast food in the other at different temperatures. It's also the best steam oven for large families. Equipped with 17 heating modes, including Steam, Convection, and Speed Convection, it ensures precise cooking every time. The Wi-Fi connectivity and Fast Pre-Heat option make it highly convenient. A Multi-point Temperature Meat Probe adds extra accuracy for perfect results.
Fisher & Paykel Series 9 Contemporary 30" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Shop this Fisher & Paykel Steam Oven
The Fisher and Paykel Series 9 Steam Oven is the best built in steam oven with a single cavity and is ideal for single people or for smaller families. You get 23 functions, including Steam, Sous Vide, Air Fry, and Crisp Regenerate, giving you endless cooking possibilities. The combination of steam and convection ensures even cooking and superior results. It pairs seamlessly with a Vacuum Seal Drawer for effortless Sous Vide. The guided touchscreen makes cooking by food, function, or recipe easy, while the sleek stainless steel design complements modern kitchens.
Monogram Minimalist Collection 30" Stainless Steel Steam Oven
Monogram makes the best steam oven models for baking and for healthier cooking options. This Minimalist Collection model combines steam and convection cooking to retain maximum flavor, color, and nutritional value in your food. It features True European convection with steam assist for perfect baking, broiling, and roasting. Pre-programmed recipes make cooking vegetables, grains, and meats effortless. The innovative recirculating water system provides continuous steam for even cooking.
FAQ
What is the best steam oven?
The best steam oven depends on your cooking needs, but Monogram, Thermador, and Wolf are top choices. Monogram offers advanced features with a minimalist design, while Thermador excels in steam capacity and smart connectivity. Wolf is known for its reliable performance and precision cooking.
What foods are best for steam oven?
Steam ovens are ideal for cooking vegetables, fish, poultry, and grains, preserving their nutrients and flavor. They’re also great for reheating food without drying it out, such as bread or leftovers. Additionally, steam ovens excel in preparing delicate foods like custards and puddings, and maintain texture and moisture without overcooking.
Is a steam oven better than a convection oven?
Steam ovens give you faster cooking and help retain moisture to reduce the risk of burning or overcooking food. They are especially beneficial for keeping nutrients intact. However, if you want the best of both worlds, some steam ovens come with convection technology for even cooking and crisping.
Where to buy a steam oven near me?
You can find top-quality steam ovens from leading brands like Thermador, Wolf, and Monogram at Fuse Specialty Appliances. Visit our website to explore our wide selection and find the perfect steam oven to match your cooking needs. Our team is ready to assist you in choosing the best option for your kitchen.
Why Trust Fuse Specialty Appliances?
Fuse Specialty Appliances carries an incredible selection of premium and high-end appliances for your home. With over 30 years of appliance knowledge, our team of experts represents the best and brightest in the industry. Our teams bring decades of experience working with designers, architects, cabinet makers, contractors, and everyone who is involved in designing and building a dream kitchen. We provide our customers with a unique, boutique-style experience where we get to know your goals for your kitchen. This more connected dynamic helps us ensure that we help you realize your kitchen dreams.
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Visit one of our South Florida locations to see what a difference shopping locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop steam ovens online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best steam oven — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: Speed Oven vs Steam Oven: Decoding the Differences